Fire, Water, Wind, and Old Men
By Pat Racimora on January 12, 2009 at 5:06 PM in Gaza, Hamas, Israel
“The most frightening dangers come from four sources: fire, water, wind, and old men.”
So goes the ancient Chinese saying, reminding us that decisions leaders make—most of them by old men—often endanger the innocents no matter which side or who started the fight.
Bernard-Henri Levy’s striking essay, Liberate the Palestinians from Hamas , seeks to bring some measure of balance to the raging debate as to who is to blame, who shot first, and the seemingly endless lineup of conflicts between Israel and its neighbors.
Not being able for decades to distinguish between the good dead and the evil dead or, like Camus used to say, between “suspect victims” and “privileged executioners,” I’m also deeply disturbed by the images of the Palestinian children who have been killed.
But have media commentators been fair to Israel? Not so much, according to Levy.
No government in the world, no country other than the vilified Israel–dragged through the mud, demonized–would tolerate having thousands of shells falling on its cities year after year. The most remarkable thing in the affair, the true surprise, is not Israel’s “brutality”; it is, to the letter, its restraint.
But what about the fact that so few Israelis have been killed?
The fact that Hamas’ Qassam and, now, its Grad missiles have caused so few deaths does not prove that they are artisanal, inoffensive, etc., but that the Israelis protect themselves, that they live burrowed in the caves of their buildings, under shelter: a nightmarish existence, suspended, with the sound of sirens and explosions. I have been to Sderot: I know.
And, is Israel purposely targeting civilians?
The fact that, inversely, the Israeli shells create so many victims does not mean, as protesters have angrily proclaimed, that Israel is engaging in a deliberate “massacre,” but that the leaders of Gaza have chosen the opposite attitude and are exposing their populations, relying on the old tactic of the “human shield.” Which means that Hamas, like Hezbollah two years ago, is installing its command centers, its arms stockpiles, its bunkers, in the basements of buildings, of hospitals, of schools, of mosques. Efficient but repugnant.
What about that blockade that is preventing supplies getting into Gaza to aid the civilian victims?
… as for the famous complete blockade imposed on a starving people, who are lacking of everything in this “unprecedented” humanitarian crisis: Again, this is not factually correct. From the beginning of the ground offensive, the humanitarian convoys ceaselessly crossed the Kerem Shalom passage. According to The New York Times, on Dec. 31–in one single day–nearly 100 trucks carrying food supplies and medicine entered the territory. And I invoke, only to preserve the memory of it (for this goes without saying–but perhaps it would be better to actually say it …), the fact that Israeli hospitals continue, even as I write, to accept and care for wounded Palestinians every day.
Levy, as do all of us, hopes the fighting will soon cease.
They [media commentators] will discover, on that day [the fighting ends], that Israel has committed many errors over the course of many years (missed opportunities, a long denial of the Palestinian national demands, unilateralism), but that Palestinians’ worst enemies are the extremist leaders who have never wanted peace, have never wanted a State and never conceived of one for their people other than as an instrument and as a hostage.
Levy’s solution?
From two choices, one. Either Hamas leaders re-establish the truce that they broke, and, while they’re at it, declare null and void a charter founded on the pure rejection of the “Zionist Entity”: In doing so, they will rejoin the vast party for compromise that has not ceased–God be praised–to make progress in the region, and peace will be established. Or they will only, obstinately, consider the suffering of Palestinian civilians in terms of its fueling of their annealed passions, their insane hate, nihilistic, beyond words. And if that is the case, it is not only the Israelis, but the Palestinians, who will need to be liberated from Hamas’ somber shadow.
As for me, I am less interested in playing a blame game. Larry’s story yesterday (“This Will Sicken You”—and I am not including the link if you missed it to give you a chance to decide whether you want to look below the fold) made me reflect on the old men who make the decisions that directly cause such shameful outcomes, and how many guiltless little ones on both sides deserve so much better.
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Good Articles Pat..I like this…something to chew on..
If the “ENABLERS” would quite giving both Sides “Rocks” or “BOULDERS” to throw back and Forth…maybe they could just put an ARENA in the Middle and send Out thier Champions…and do it the old fashioned and MANLY Way…Eh…
That article you linked is terrible. Hamas did not break the truce, Israel did. Get it right. I don’t like Hamas, but at least they supported the 67 borders and this is why Israel broke the truce, because then Israel would be seen as the ones who oppose peace.
The article’s title is also bogus. You cannot separate Hamas from the Palestinian people. You kill Hamas, then you are killing Palestinian family members. Also, all these problems PREDATE Hamas. The quarantine has nothing to do with Hamas. The failure of the US and Israel to agree to the 67 borders against the will of the rest of the world has nothing to do with Hamas.
The evacuation of Palestinians is also bogus. They have nowhere to go. It’s under quarantine. And if they do go with the Israelis, the place gets shelled.
Please don’t post such garbage as what you’ve posted today. That author has zero understanding of what is going on. You should be ashamed of yourself for posting such propaganda.
You are out of control - can you separate George Bush from the American people? Give me a break.
You clearly don’t understand the situation then if you’re going to give false analogies.
Mr. X:
Show me one official pronouncement from Hamas that they would accept the Jewish State of Israel as their next door neighbor if only Israel withdrew to the pre-June 1967 borders. It is my understanding that they want Israel to withdraw to those borders, not to end the conflict, but to make it easier for them to destroy the State of Israel. That has always been their stated goal, and I’ve seen nothing that indicates a change in charter.
Again with Hamas. Do you even know what you’re talking about? This has NOTHING to do with Hamas. The quarantine PREDATES Hamas. The truce PREDATES Hamas.
Besides, Israel will never accept Palestinians as their neighbours either. Israel has never allowed the state of Palestine to exist. Gaza is proof of that.
So please do a little research before spewing nonsense.
Why not? I know both Jews & Palestinians that each hate their respective leaderships. I don’t believe the Palestinians are thrilled with Hamas, and I sure don’t trust the reliability of any elections anymore.
So what? Better Hamas leaders than innocent men, women & children. During WWII, a lot of Germans hated the Nazis and wanted to be liberated from their terrible rule. When the nazis leaders were killed during the war & executed afterwards, they were probably someones family members also; however, when one starts a brutal war, being killed is a likely outcome.
This fight goes back so far, I don’t know how its possible to tell which side is the most to blame, but I think both leaderships are at fault. The whole thing is so sad, I can barely stand to read about it.
Pat, I liked your article.
You’ve been brainwashed. Using false analogies doesn’t help your argument either.
People assume that Hamas is a distinct organization from the Palestinians. It is not. Also, Hamas support is rising amongst the Palestinians. There are ample reasons for this and it has happens in other situations with different people.
Also, the current situation PREDATES Hamas. Everyone that blames Hamas is clueless. Even if Hamas disapears, nothing will change. If it would, then things would have been solved a long time ago. Yet, here we are.
Israel does not want peace. According to Israel, Palestinians must never develop. Gaza itself is proof of this agenda.
Blaming Hamas is a copout to avoid the real issues.
You are out of control on this subject. I am not brainwashed & have never taken a stand for either side. I think both sides are at fault, as I said above.
Duh. I said that also in my comment.
The Israeli leadership & Hamas may not want peace, but I believe most of the regular citizens do. I talked at length about this with a Palestinian couple last week. They told me they were grateful to get out of there when they did, hated Hamas & were in fear everyday for their other relatives still there. They also hated the Israeli leaders, but said they knew Israelis who were against the Gazan treatment and wanted peace.
This situation is not as cut & dried as you try to make it. Other peoples analogies are not “false” becuz you don’t happen to like them. You need to chill. You are so bent out of shape that you are accusing people of sentiments they never said they had.
I concur, though I rarely post on these ME threads.
BOTH sides are at fault in this matter. It really doesn’t matter who started it or who has committed worse atrocities or who has been there longer or who has a “god-given” right to that land. That sort of finger-pointing, chest thumping, and appeal to dogma does not constitute a beginning for dialog, much less a solution to the myriad problems.
So long as the world ignores the legitimate concerns of BOTH sides, there will never be peace. The Palestinians have legitimate complaints as do the Israelis.
IS either side really interested in a lasting peace and an end to this barbaric bloodshed? That is the key to the entire issue, If the answer is “no” on either or both sides, I’m afraid we may as well let them have at it.
I’m with you Ferd & this is the 1st time I’ve posted on one of these articles as well. (and probably the last) I agree with your comment.
socalannie??? Out of control? Brain washed?
Just wow!
Hi Teak! How’s the granddaughter?
Doing fine and thanks for asking.
She is such a Padawan…
Well solve your own damned problems then. Sending nObama your gaza campaign money did not help you one bit.
I don’t expect much from a ghetto and neither should you.
Actually, I think it did, especially if, for the long term, he trends away from Israel.
Meaning in ten or fifteen years, without any change in the Israeli leaderhsip, the US will be able to cut funding, and military aid.
Esp if Gaza is left to fester.
I hate Obama. I also hate senseless killings.
Well now we are on the same page.
Israel Bans Arab Parties from Election:
http://news.antiwar.com/2009/01/12/israel-bans-arab-parties-from-election/
The current conflict is a religious war — and I am opposed to organized religions.
Each side claims their god approves.
This is also a war over resources — too few for too many people. One group will displace the other — I believe there is a law of physic involve in trying to shove twice the volume in a specific space — some will overflow.
There was a “State of Palestine” Created in 1848 and a “State of Israel” Created in 1948 according to WIKI..
In 1949 The “State of Israel attacked Palestine…surrounding countrys, the British and engaged in Terrorist Acts against thier Muslim Nieghbors ever since, and used Thier Influence and INFILTRATION in the United States…to Beg..Borrow or Steal to “TOOLS” Technology and Information They needed tto continue thiuer Neo con and idelogical WAR to this Day…
What Happened to the “State of Palestine” created Sixty years Ago…??
No wondfer some people in the region are a Little Pissed off…??
How many Problems have been created by Israels belligerence and How much Burden has beeen Placed on The United states ..because of its DELIQUENT Step Child …that WE Have to keep Bailing out of Jail..literally and figuratively..?? (SP)
Yep…I have seen familys defend Cold Blooded Killer Relatives to the END…Because..Right or Wrong..they are “FAMILY”…
Nothing has Changed…some Guy Gets Power…Creates an Enemy or an Excuse to Take his…Wine..Women or Property…and makes “HIS”People Kill the Other Guys Pweople because they Are ”GASP…”Purple People ” and every one knows the “PINK ALBINO ” People are Superior…
Great article, spot on.
Gee, would you have a problem living like this?
http://www.imemc.org/article/58397
mountainaires:
Where were your heightened sensibilities (as well as those heightened sensibilities of the Red Cross and the UN) when, over the last year, Hamas fired over 3,000 misiles at over half a million civilians living in Southern Israel ? Nearly 600 truckloads of supplies have been delivered from Israel to the Gaza residents in the past couple of weeks, but Hamas is pilfering many of those supplies and re-selling them in their own shops. The flour is being delivered to two Hamas owned bakeries in Gaza, and withheld from others. If Hamas can build smuggling tunnels, then they can also build shelters for their civilian population, but they want their civilians at risk.
Yes, you’re most likely right.
But this still doesn’t excuse Israeli actions.
This isn’t either, or: pot, kettle, black, really.
Thank you Pat.
It is difficult to imagine how young children, trapped in such a violent environment, can emerge without emotional trauma.
Like you, I wish the elders had gained wisdom as they aged!
The Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution “strongly” condemning Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Monday’s non-binding resolution released by the Council said Israel’s attacks had “resulted in massive violations” of the human rights of Palestinians.
What part of “MASSIVE VIOLATIONS” needs to explained?
Pat..
The Cartoon You Drew should leave Deep Impressions on people and Be studied like the Great Works of art in Museums ..and gallerys..
I see Two Innocent Children…who..in a Peaceful World…as GOD Intended…would be Friends and Play together..
With deeper study and Meditation and Insight..I also see more in your Drawing of those Innocent Children…Who represent ALL the Children of the World as a symbol…(sp_)
I see The DEVIL…SATAN Whispering in both thier ears Already…Hissing.to the Girl…..”He;s a JEW BOY..THEY ARE BAD”…”Throw Rocks at Him..If you have Sons..teach them to Kill JewBoys..”
“His religion is Wrong..” God hates the Jews..” must etc..
and the Devil Whispers to the Boy….Hissssssss..” Make Friends with her..She is a MUSLIM…a Nasty Palestenian Girl…Her parents Don’t Hate You…They want to kill you and Destroy Israel..”etc..
In Reality..it will be the “ELDERS”…and the “CLERICS’…and the “WISE and “HOLY MEN OF JI ~HAD”…..and the Rabbis who Want Barrabas..because He would rather Use the Sword and Spawn KARL MARX…”and that Organized Religion means its
“MY WILL BE DONE..ON EARTH.” and” GODS WILL CAN BE DONE IN HEAVEN…”..
Because we like things that go BANG..WINE WOMEN and SONG..LUSTING PURGING..PILLAGING..PERVERTING..PROFITING..KILLING and HELL RAISING here on Earth…and Have ever since
Cain Wacked Able in the head..and Fur Robes were the fashion..
Yep…all those wonderful things done in the name of Religon, Race, and GREED…
The way all those gr3eat World leaders and Role Models are going..
I think its going to be Back to the Robes Pretty Quick…and we Can experience that great Meaphysical Cosmic rebirth thats going to Purify us All…
The cartoon is beautiful! In college there was the most beautiful young married couple in my classes, she Israeli he Palestinian, like adult versions of your cartoon.
What an amazing comment.
Thank you for seeing a lot of what I saw in my own mind.
For an informative website, go to honestreporting.com
I’m having a real problem posting. If this makes it though anyone else having about a half hour wait between comments or is it my computer?
it’s taking about 30 sec for me.
Incredible Cartoon! The saying that one picture is worth a 1000 words is a very conservative statement in this case. This picture, even without any captions as to what the two children may be saying or thinking, made me feel feelings that range from sad to very angry and the chatter in my head went on for hours. As I looked longer at the picture I imagined the children thinking things about each other like why don’t they like me? God, what can we do to stop this? God will you ever allow us to have peace and be friends. And the dialogue went on and on. What dialogue do you see when you look at the picture?
For those in the United State and around the world who think that Israel is killing children and overreacting, let us consider the fact that Hamas like people send girl children back into a burning school, because they dare to be educated. That if Hamas really cared about the children and the people, even if they wanted to continue sending missiles over to Israel, they could have chosen to do it from areas out side of the cities, schools, mosque, and hospitals. But no, because they consider themselves to be martyrs, they feel that every Palestinian, including children whether they want to or not, should be a martyr and willing to loose their life.
Also consider that the neighbor next door insists on shooting his or her gun toward your home 10 times a day. Sometimes they hit nothing but the bullets fall to the ground and make holes, sometimes they hit a tree, a car, your garage, and your windows. They have not killed anyone yet, and there are no police to call to stop them. You have asked them to stop over and over and even threatened them, but to know avail. For how long do you let this go on and what would you do to your neighbor since you can not move as a way to protect yourself, your children, your family, or friends who come to visit?
Rich
Thanks Rich–Thoughtful statement. It is hard to imagine what it would be like to be in either position.
I wish there could be tight agreements and a stop to the insanity, but I so much appreciate that my little drawing touched you (and Patrick Henry also). My toon was from the heart.
Your cartoon and presentation provides a forum for discussion of a difficult problem. The comments above reflect the fact that there is little agreement about the causes or who is most to blame for the current out-of-control conflagration in the middle east. Unfortunately, innocent children and civilians on both sides are victims of the violence which has spiraled out of control.
People place blame based on their own ethnic and religious affiliations and biases. Both sides in the middle east conflict are consumed by hate and distrust. Hamas seems unwilling to recognize Israel’s right to exist and continues to lob rockets at them. Israel is determined to destroy Hamas’s capability to harm their people. Both sides seem
unwilling or unable to halt the violence and work for a peaceful resolution.
It seems clear the lame duck Bush administration will do nothing to help with a resolution of the conflict. The problems will be handed to Obama and perhaps to Hillary to deal with. In the meantime the destruction and violence will continue unabated.
Pat, another touching drawing.
This is so sad. Can there ever be “Peace” with Israel, Gaza, Golan Heights inhabitants?
What will come of this latest tragedy? I’ll tell you that if your neighborhood was being bombed, shelled, phosphorousized, with no drinking water, food or electricity, what would you do? What will become of the youth when they get older? What will they remember? Can “Peace” come from this? I believe that if you lose one family member, you must seek revenge, the mid-east way. Fighters are being bred daily. If one of my children had died, I would fight until I was killed also. This is insanity.
Rockets ( only because they are propelled in the air without warheads) fired into Israel is wrong. But to take out the infrastructure and public buildings while killing “collateral damage” is more than wrong.
What is the end game? Making more enemies daily?
Superb cartoon, Pat.
I’m finding the problems between Israel and Gaza are a huge disraction to what is occuring with our economy and the threat to our constitution. Our Cosntitution is in danger. Where’s the focus?
“In truth no restrictive language from any state can legally limit the scope or outcome of a [Constitutional] Convention! Once a Convention is called Congress determines how the delegates to the Convention are chosen. Once chosen, those Convention delegates possess more power than the U.S. Congress itself.”
What will we do if and when a modern Constitutional Convention is called and our U.S. Constitution is declared null and void, with a completely new constitution enacted?
http://www.newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin480.htm
Some of your best work, Pat.
It is the children of chaos that bear the brunt of madness.
Teak..I agree..
Reminds Me of something I wrote for my Book of Poetry..
I call several of my shorter Prose Writings ..
“Snapshots in Black and White…”
This is Snapshot #4….
“Oh, which Mind Will Bear Barbaric Inhumanity..
Those Hapless Spirits who create Insanity…
In the Chaos of thier Own Demonic Vanity…
So That Many Must Suffer from Thier Profanity..”
I write Poetry Teak..and have created my own Book..
For my Family..
Several short Prose Writings I call..
“Snapshots in Black and White..”
This is Snapshot #4..
“Oh…Which Mind Will Bear Barbaric Inhumanity…
Those Hapless Spirits Who create Insanity..
In the Chaos of thier Own Demonic Vanity ..
So That many Must Suffer from thier Profanity..
By Jim…
Sorry about the multiple Postings…They were not appearing so I kept trying to add to what Teakwood was Saying…
Thank you whoever wwent into the umpster and found this and put it Up…I think the Words fit many of the Barbaric acts we see Mankind Capable of…
Teak..
I Agree..
Reminds me of My Snapshot #4..
“Oh, Which mind will Bear barbaric inhumanity..
Those hapless spirits Who Create Insanity..
In the Chaos of thier Own demonic Vanity..
So That Many must Suffer from thier Profanity..”
Excellent Post Pat! Children are children and your drawing does such a great job of showing their similarities instead of their differences.
Bernard-Henri Levy’s essay is so insightful.
Fabulous work.
Your posts are certainly worth voting for this blog on the Weblog Awards!
Maybe we ought to demand that any old man who initiates a war has to send his own kids or grandkids to fight in it.
Great article - nice art work.
Wow, pretty intense stuff, Pat!
Love the format you use between questions and answers.
The illustration, as always, is impeccable and very poignant.